Grotesk’s The Wannabe Bike Messenger Illustration

December 22, 2008Uncategorizedby Staff333 Views

Grotesk is a Swiss graphic artist living in Brooklyn. In the last decade, he has developed a passion for folk art, street photography, and hand painted signs.  He has done artwork for companies out there including Staple, Alife, Hellz Bellz, and Stussy.  Right now, we have a great look at some of his newest artwork: a spotlight on his satirical take on wannabe bike messengers in New York.

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  • pork

    damnit. he got me dead square in the tittie

  • pork

    damnit. he got me dead square in the tittie

  • kelvinseo

    haha i like it! don’t hate

  • kelvinseo

    haha i like it! don’t hate

  • x TONYBALONEY x

    I own the “original” bicycle.

  • x TONYBALONEY x

    I own the “original” bicycle.

  • Hip-set turdgand

    What Aaron said.

  • Hip-set turdgand

    What Aaron said.

  • HB718

    None of the X-MEN ride like this.. So If You aren’t a messenger in NYC or was one, then you’re frontin’.

  • HB718

    None of the X-MEN ride like this.. So If You aren’t a messenger in NYC or was one, then you’re frontin’.

  • HipsterHater

    Wow…looks like the Mission here in San Francisco. Word up to Zeitgeist and the Tamale Lady!

  • HipsterHater

    Wow…looks like the Mission here in San Francisco. Word up to Zeitgeist and the Tamale Lady!

  • joecool

    the thing is. it is good BUT no bike messenger i know doesnt dress like that. so you cant really call it a “wannabe” cuz i even dress like this sorta and i am a bike messenger

  • joecool

    the thing is. it is good BUT no bike messenger i know doesnt dress like that. so you cant really call it a “wannabe” cuz i even dress like this sorta and i am a bike messenger

  • Aaron

    If you have to say you were there before the trend, you weren’t.

  • Aaron

    If you have to say you were there before the trend, you weren’t.

  • Bazooka X Joe

    Omg! The pointless keys!! Yes,so played out…

  • Bazooka X Joe

    Omg! The pointless keys!! Yes,so played out…

  • LKid

    “they forgot the riserbar hype ! i mean who needs a riser bar to make barspins when this bike is made to run fast… who is doing barspins while rushing the streets ? cmon fuck off hipsters… i mean ok i have a fixie to but i had it earlier than this trend and i hate to see everybody wearing plugs and those wannabe pista caps on their pink or neon frames with neon tires etc.
    i am pretty ashamed of this hype but keep on riding. just smash carbon parts if you see them on street xD”

    dude, shhh.
    why is it that all the ‘real’ fixie community act like they are so pure about their whole scene and act like experts? you all act like you were the first person to ride a fixed gear. and also, freestyle fixie riding is lame as fuck. their imitations of bmx should be kept to bmx.

  • LKid

    “they forgot the riserbar hype ! i mean who needs a riser bar to make barspins when this bike is made to run fast… who is doing barspins while rushing the streets ? cmon fuck off hipsters… i mean ok i have a fixie to but i had it earlier than this trend and i hate to see everybody wearing plugs and those wannabe pista caps on their pink or neon frames with neon tires etc.
    i am pretty ashamed of this hype but keep on riding. just smash carbon parts if you see them on street xD”

    dude, shhh.
    why is it that all the ‘real’ fixie community act like they are so pure about their whole scene and act like experts? you all act like you were the first person to ride a fixed gear. and also, freestyle fixie riding is lame as fuck. their imitations of bmx should be kept to bmx.

  • dave@dave.com

    Hate the game.

  • dave@dave.com

    Hate the game.

  • kal

    hahaahha wow ppl hatin on it are taking it too seriously….people stop being little bitches and claiming that people who come even remotely close to this are like tools and shit and hating on whats popular because everyone conforms in their own ways and tries not to conform at the same time realize that everyone has a style they rock and stop hatin on everything you see thats different from ur own taste

  • kal

    hahaahha wow ppl hatin on it are taking it too seriously….people stop being little bitches and claiming that people who come even remotely close to this are like tools and shit and hating on whats popular because everyone conforms in their own ways and tries not to conform at the same time realize that everyone has a style they rock and stop hatin on everything you see thats different from ur own taste

  • Mohsin

    lmfao at da apic

  • Mohsin

    lmfao at da apic

  • f&f^

    lol get merked nyc..

  • f&f^

    lol get merked nyc..

  • M. JOSIAH

    You guys are funny, I don’t ride much any more… I run now. But no matter how a rider looks or how it may offend you, the good thing is that it’s one less car on the road, one less person using gas and oil, and it’s one less person contributing to deaths of hundreds of thousands of middle eastern people to support our nations addiction to oil. So in a word it’s healthier for the rider and better for the environment.

  • M. JOSIAH

    You guys are funny, I don’t ride much any more… I run now. But no matter how a rider looks or how it may offend you, the good thing is that it’s one less car on the road, one less person using gas and oil, and it’s one less person contributing to deaths of hundreds of thousands of middle eastern people to support our nations addiction to oil. So in a word it’s healthier for the rider and better for the environment.

  • D

    this dude is a bootleg version of this:

    http://www.yourscenesucks.com/

  • D

    this dude is a bootleg version of this:

    http://www.yourscenesucks.com/

  • Break Yourself

    Don’t throw stones if you live in a glass house. Grotesk’s work looks like bites of others from espo to kevin lyons.

  • Break Yourself

    Don’t throw stones if you live in a glass house. Grotesk’s work looks like bites of others from espo to kevin lyons.

  • Chris

    Go up north in Chicago and this is all you see

  • Chris

    Go up north in Chicago and this is all you see

  • Real Talk

    Hipster designers in Brooklyn print coming soon! ^ haha

  • Real Talk

    Hipster designers in Brooklyn print coming soon! ^ haha

  • Rhandy T

    Good Job Kimou! Super awsome illustration!

  • Rhandy T

    Good Job Kimou! Super awsome illustration!

  • Hip-set turdgand

    ^^^^^ I LOL’D!

    don’t get butt hurt though, jokes are jokes////

  • Hip-set turdgand

    ^^^^^ I LOL’D!

    don’t get butt hurt though, jokes are jokes////

  • Quickstriker

    Haha bar spins. Is so lame haha

  • Quickstriker

    Haha bar spins. Is so lame haha

  • cordlessbutt

    its sand paper

    funny tho

  • cordlessbutt

    its sand paper

    funny tho

  • drez

    wow this is all wicker park here

  • drez

    wow this is all wicker park here

  • Grease

    FUCKN AWESOME!! THAT PIC REPRESENTS HALF OF OHIO STATE’S CAMPUS, BUNCHA FAKE BIKE MESSENGERS!!!

  • Grease

    FUCKN AWESOME!! THAT PIC REPRESENTS HALF OF OHIO STATE’S CAMPUS, BUNCHA FAKE BIKE MESSENGERS!!!

  • RecluIgloo.blogspot.com

    “when is the transplanted graphic designer living in brooklyn print coming out?”- ZING
    “Has anyone here ever heard people in impoverished neighborhoods complain about hipsters?”- yeah they do actually, when they’re aware of gentrification

  • RecluIgloo.blogspot.com

    “when is the transplanted graphic designer living in brooklyn print coming out?”- ZING
    “Has anyone here ever heard people in impoverished neighborhoods complain about hipsters?”- yeah they do actually, when they’re aware of gentrification

  • herby

    when is the transplanted graphic designer living in brooklyn print coming out?

  • herby

    when is the transplanted graphic designer living in brooklyn print coming out?

  • herby

    when is the transplanted graphic designer living in brooklyn print coming out?

  • herby

    when is the transplanted graphic designer living in brooklyn print coming out?

  • herby

    when is the transplanted graphic designer living in brooklyn print coming out?

  • ives

    That is SO SPOT ON! I’ve been bike-messangerering for years and i can tell you i hate those posers!

  • ives

    That is SO SPOT ON! I’ve been bike-messangerering for years and i can tell you i hate those posers!

  • ives

    That is SO SPOT ON! I’ve been bike-messangerering for years and i can tell you i hate those posers!

  • ives

    That is SO SPOT ON! I’ve been bike-messangerering for years and i can tell you i hate those posers!

  • ives

    That is SO SPOT ON! I’ve been bike-messangerering for years and i can tell you i hate those posers!

  • Antihipster

    they forgot the riserbar hype ! i mean who needs a riser bar to make barspins when this bike is made to run fast… who is doing barspins while rushing the streets ? cmon fuck off hipsters… i mean ok i have a fixie to but i had it earlier than this trend and i hate to see everybody wearing plugs and those wannabe pista caps on their pink or neon frames with neon tires etc.
    i am pretty ashamed of this hype but keep on riding. just smash carbon parts if you see them on street xD

  • Antihipster

    they forgot the riserbar hype ! i mean who needs a riser bar to make barspins when this bike is made to run fast… who is doing barspins while rushing the streets ? cmon fuck off hipsters… i mean ok i have a fixie to but i had it earlier than this trend and i hate to see everybody wearing plugs and those wannabe pista caps on their pink or neon frames with neon tires etc.
    i am pretty ashamed of this hype but keep on riding. just smash carbon parts if you see them on street xD

  • Antihipster

    they forgot the riserbar hype ! i mean who needs a riser bar to make barspins when this bike is made to run fast… who is doing barspins while rushing the streets ? cmon fuck off hipsters… i mean ok i have a fixie to but i had it earlier than this trend and i hate to see everybody wearing plugs and those wannabe pista caps on their pink or neon frames with neon tires etc.
    i am pretty ashamed of this hype but keep on riding. just smash carbon parts if you see them on street xD

  • Antihipster

    they forgot the riserbar hype ! i mean who needs a riser bar to make barspins when this bike is made to run fast… who is doing barspins while rushing the streets ? cmon fuck off hipsters… i mean ok i have a fixie to but i had it earlier than this trend and i hate to see everybody wearing plugs and those wannabe pista caps on their pink or neon frames with neon tires etc.
    i am pretty ashamed of this hype but keep on riding. just smash carbon parts if you see them on street xD

  • Antihipster

    they forgot the riserbar hype ! i mean who needs a riser bar to make barspins when this bike is made to run fast… who is doing barspins while rushing the streets ? cmon fuck off hipsters… i mean ok i have a fixie to but i had it earlier than this trend and i hate to see everybody wearing plugs and those wannabe pista caps on their pink or neon frames with neon tires etc.
    i am pretty ashamed of this hype but keep on riding. just smash carbon parts if you see them on street xD

  • sfjasd90fjwe90j

    it’s -3 outside where I’m at. You have to be a fool to be wearing skinny jeans and ride breakless.

  • sfjasd90fjwe90j

    it’s -3 outside where I’m at. You have to be a fool to be wearing skinny jeans and ride breakless.

  • sfjasd90fjwe90j

    it’s -3 outside where I’m at. You have to be a fool to be wearing skinny jeans and ride breakless.

  • sfjasd90fjwe90j

    it’s -3 outside where I’m at. You have to be a fool to be wearing skinny jeans and ride breakless.

  • sfjasd90fjwe90j

    it’s -3 outside where I’m at. You have to be a fool to be wearing skinny jeans and ride breakless.

  • marc

    Hilarious! Sand paper is misspelled.

  • marc

    Hilarious! Sand paper is misspelled.

  • marc

    Hilarious! Sand paper is misspelled.

  • marc

    Hilarious! Sand paper is misspelled.

  • marc

    Hilarious! Sand paper is misspelled.

  • beast

    this is the latest version of hypebeast after slim denim became hype. cool, i see these tools everywhere. what are they trying to prove?

  • beast

    this is the latest version of hypebeast after slim denim became hype. cool, i see these tools everywhere. what are they trying to prove?

  • beast

    this is the latest version of hypebeast after slim denim became hype. cool, i see these tools everywhere. what are they trying to prove?

  • beast

    this is the latest version of hypebeast after slim denim became hype. cool, i see these tools everywhere. what are they trying to prove?

  • beast

    this is the latest version of hypebeast after slim denim became hype. cool, i see these tools everywhere. what are they trying to prove?

  • JERSEYFAME

    hahaah skinhy jeans are the worst idea since electing George Bush!!!

  • JERSEYFAME

    hahaah skinhy jeans are the worst idea since electing George Bush!!!

  • JERSEYFAME

    hahaah skinhy jeans are the worst idea since electing George Bush!!!

  • JERSEYFAME

    hahaah skinhy jeans are the worst idea since electing George Bush!!!

  • JERSEYFAME

    hahaah skinhy jeans are the worst idea since electing George Bush!!!

  • Quickstriker

    What a surprise! This is like 95% of the bikers out here in the Bay Area haha.

  • Quickstriker

    What a surprise! This is like 95% of the bikers out here in the Bay Area haha.

  • Quickstriker

    What a surprise! This is like 95% of the bikers out here in the Bay Area haha.

  • Quickstriker

    What a surprise! This is like 95% of the bikers out here in the Bay Area haha.

  • Quickstriker

    What a surprise! This is like 95% of the bikers out here in the Bay Area haha.

  • blahblah

    Hilarious!! This cartoon fits the description of the youth in Portland, OR too.

  • blahblah

    Hilarious!! This cartoon fits the description of the youth in Portland, OR too.

  • blahblah

    Hilarious!! This cartoon fits the description of the youth in Portland, OR too.

  • blahblah

    Hilarious!! This cartoon fits the description of the youth in Portland, OR too.

  • blahblah

    Hilarious!! This cartoon fits the description of the youth in Portland, OR too.

  • DIE HIPSTER YUPPIE SCUM

    WOW THIS IS 75% OF THE READERS OF THIS BLOG

  • DIE HIPSTER YUPPIE SCUM

    WOW THIS IS 75% OF THE READERS OF THIS BLOG

  • DIE HIPSTER YUPPIE SCUM

    WOW THIS IS 75% OF THE READERS OF THIS BLOG

  • DIE HIPSTER YUPPIE SCUM

    WOW THIS IS 75% OF THE READERS OF THIS BLOG

  • DIE HIPSTER YUPPIE SCUM

    WOW THIS IS 75% OF THE READERS OF THIS BLOG

  • gangsterassgrandma

    $2500 italian conversion frame. no track dropouts here. this shit is funny tho…epsecially the pre-wornout shoes trick…ahhh nyc what a funny place it is.

  • gangsterassgrandma

    $2500 italian conversion frame. no track dropouts here. this shit is funny tho…epsecially the pre-wornout shoes trick…ahhh nyc what a funny place it is.

  • gangsterassgrandma

    $2500 italian conversion frame. no track dropouts here. this shit is funny tho…epsecially the pre-wornout shoes trick…ahhh nyc what a funny place it is.

  • gangsterassgrandma

    $2500 italian conversion frame. no track dropouts here. this shit is funny tho…epsecially the pre-wornout shoes trick…ahhh nyc what a funny place it is.

  • gangsterassgrandma

    $2500 italian conversion frame. no track dropouts here. this shit is funny tho…epsecially the pre-wornout shoes trick…ahhh nyc what a funny place it is.

  • LEGO

    its funny cause I just got through watching QUICKSILVER

  • LEGO

    its funny cause I just got through watching QUICKSILVER

  • LEGO

    its funny cause I just got through watching QUICKSILVER

  • LEGO

    its funny cause I just got through watching QUICKSILVER

  • LEGO

    its funny cause I just got through watching QUICKSILVER

  • sqm

    point-on!!! haha!

  • sqm

    point-on!!! haha!

  • sqm

    point-on!!! haha!

  • sqm

    point-on!!! haha!

  • sqm

    point-on!!! haha!

  • NYC

    THIS IS SO SPOT ON ITS NOT EVEN FUNNY.

  • NYC

    THIS IS SO SPOT ON ITS NOT EVEN FUNNY.

  • NYC

    THIS IS SO SPOT ON ITS NOT EVEN FUNNY.

  • marv albert

    ouch. i would hate to be the guy in the picture. that guy is everywhere. im glad im not one.

  • marv albert

    ouch. i would hate to be the guy in the picture. that guy is everywhere. im glad im not one.

  • marv albert

    ouch. i would hate to be the guy in the picture. that guy is everywhere. im glad im not one.

  • katjakassin

    I think this is pretty hilarious.

  • katjakassin

    I think this is pretty hilarious.

  • Clutchin,

    I lol’d!

    haha AYPEESEE’ssssssssssss!!!

  • Steez Louise

    he spelled sand wrong

  • Clutchin,

    I lol’d!

    haha AYPEESEE’ssssssssssss!!!

  • Clutchin,

    I lol’d!

    haha AYPEESEE’ssssssssssss!!!

  • Clutchin,

    I lol’d!

    haha AYPEESEE’ssssssssssss!!!

  • Clutchin,

    I lol’d!

    haha AYPEESEE’ssssssssssss!!!

  • Steez Louise

    he spelled sand wrong

  • Steez Louise

    he spelled sand wrong

  • Steez Louise

    he spelled sand wrong

  • Steez Louise

    he spelled sand wrong

  • Dex

    YEEEEESS hahaha I was waiting for somethin like this to come out

  • Dex

    YEEEEESS hahaha I was waiting for somethin like this to come out

  • Dex

    YEEEEESS hahaha I was waiting for somethin like this to come out

  • Dex

    YEEEEESS hahaha I was waiting for somethin like this to come out

  • Dex

    YEEEEESS hahaha I was waiting for somethin like this to come out

  • renai beast

    wow, it seems like anyone that tries something ‘different’ will be horribly ostracized by an IDENTICAL community! Has anyone here ever heard people in impoverished neighborhoods complain about hipsters? Some people should get over that fact that others like to wear clothes different from theirs and move on to something that’s actually worth complaining about i.e. numerous rights being taken away from us as i type this?

    nonetheless, that picture is still pretty funny :P

  • renai beast

    wow, it seems like anyone that tries something ‘different’ will be horribly ostracized by an IDENTICAL community! Has anyone here ever heard people in impoverished neighborhoods complain about hipsters? Some people should get over that fact that others like to wear clothes different from theirs and move on to something that’s actually worth complaining about i.e. numerous rights being taken away from us as i type this?

    nonetheless, that picture is still pretty funny :P

  • renai beast

    wow, it seems like anyone that tries something ‘different’ will be horribly ostracized by an IDENTICAL community! Has anyone here ever heard people in impoverished neighborhoods complain about hipsters? Some people should get over that fact that others like to wear clothes different from theirs and move on to something that’s actually worth complaining about i.e. numerous rights being taken away from us as i type this?

    nonetheless, that picture is still pretty funny :P

  • renai beast

    wow, it seems like anyone that tries something ‘different’ will be horribly ostracized by an IDENTICAL community! Has anyone here ever heard people in impoverished neighborhoods complain about hipsters? Some people should get over that fact that others like to wear clothes different from theirs and move on to something that’s actually worth complaining about i.e. numerous rights being taken away from us as i type this?

    nonetheless, that picture is still pretty funny :P

  • renai beast

    wow, it seems like anyone that tries something ‘different’ will be horribly ostracized by an IDENTICAL community! Has anyone here ever heard people in impoverished neighborhoods complain about hipsters? Some people should get over that fact that others like to wear clothes different from theirs and move on to something that’s actually worth complaining about i.e. numerous rights being taken away from us as i type this?

    nonetheless, that picture is still pretty funny :P